The Beta Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. stands as a proud extension of a historic brotherhood founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University. Guided by the Fraternity’s cardinal principles — Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift — Beta Pi continues a legacy of service, leadership, and community engagement throughout North Central Florida.

Since its chartering on January 11, 1973, the Beta Pi Chapter, located in Gainesville, Florida, has remained committed to empowering communities across the region through mentoring, scholarship initiatives, and civic engagement.

The Charter Members

• Dr. Cullen W. Banks 👑
• Hon. Neil A. Butler 👑
• Hon. Charles Chestnut III 👑
• Frank D. Coleman, Sr. 👑
• Phillip Chaney
• Richard Dukes 👑
• Calvin Edwards 👑
• Rev. William M. Ferguson 👑
• Edmond Fordham 👑
• Allen Green 👑
• Hon. Cleather H. Hathcock 👑
• Dr. Lougene Hill 👑
• Hon. Edward L. Jennings, Sr. 👑
• Willie L. Johnson 👑
• Lindsey Jones 👑
• Lynn Jones
• Cleveland Kiner 👑
• Otha W. Nealy 👑
• Louie Rivers, Jr.
• James Turk
• Nathaniel L. Willis 👑

Our Work

In alignment with Omega Psi Phi’s long-standing emphasis on social action and uplift, the chapter works to address educational, social, and economic disparities while fostering lifelong brotherhood among its members.

A signature program of the chapter is the Annual Brigadier General Charles D. Young Veterans Day Breakfast, which honors the legacy of one of Omega’s most distinguished members and recognizes the service and sacrifice of military veterans across the region. Brigadier General Charles Young — a pioneering Army officer and one of the highest-ranking African American military leaders of his era — embodies courage, perseverance, and excellence, values reflected in Beta Pi’s annual tribute.

Through impactful programming, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to community uplift, the Beta Pi Chapter continues to serve as a beacon of leadership, service, and brotherhood within Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The History of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically Black college. Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The founders were three Howard University undergraduates — Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper, and Frank Coleman — joined by their faculty adviser, Dr. Ernest Everett Just. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning “Friendship is essential to the soul,” the name Omega Psi Phi was derived, and that phrase was selected as the motto.

Friendship is essential to the soul.

Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift were adopted as the Cardinal Principles. On November 23, 1911, in Thirkield Hall, Edgar Amos Love became the first Grand Basileus (National President). Cooper and Coleman were selected as Grand Keeper of Records and Grand Keeper of Seals, respectively.

Eleven Howard University undergraduate men were selected as charter members, and Alpha Chapter was organized with fourteen charter members on December 15, 1911. From those beginnings, Omega Psi Phi has grown into an international brotherhood of collegiate and graduate men committed to service and scholarship — a legacy Beta Pi proudly carries forward in North Central Florida.